1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “患” (kan) primarily means “to suffer” or “to be ill.” It is often used in contexts related to health issues or troubles.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “患” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “心” (heart) which signifies emotions or feelings, and “貝” (shell), which historically relates to wealth or value, suggesting that suffering affects one’s emotional state.
Radical: The radical of “患” is “心” (heart), indicating its connection to feelings and emotions.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “患” are:
- 患う (わずらう, wazurau) – to suffer from
- 患部 (かんぶ, kanbu) – affected area (of an illness)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は最近、頭痛を患っています。
(He has been suffering from headaches recently.) - この病気は多くの人々を患わせています。
(This disease is affecting many people.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “病” (byou), which also means “illness” but is more focused on the disease itself rather than the act of suffering.
Antonyms: An antonym is “健康” (kenkou), meaning “health,” which represents the absence of suffering or illness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “患” is significant in Japanese culture, where health and well-being are highly valued. Traditional medicine and practices often emphasize the importance of mental and emotional health.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “病は気から” (byou wa ki kara), which translates to “Illness comes from the mind,” highlighting the connection between mental state and physical health.